January 2025 Update
Eat the Invaders
If you have not seen already, rabbits were featured in the “Eat the Invaders” series. One of our team members, Dr Tanja Strive, had the pleasure of being part of the show!
The full episode can be viewed on ABC.
RHDV testing
Over January, we received submissions from NSW, WA, VIC, QLD, ACT and TAS. RHDV2 remains the dominant circulating strain in positive cases and seems to be active in all of the above listed states. Submission numbers continue to be high.
Similar to December, the virus continues to be widespread across the country. Detected cases in WA were more localised near Perth.
Calicivirus was detected in 38.1% of our samples. Domestic rabbit owners are encouraged to do the following to protect their rabbits:
- Decontaminate hands, shoes and clothing before handling rabbits
- Keep your pet rabbit indoors
- Regularly decontaminate equipment and materials including cages, hutches, bowls etc, with either 10% bleach, 10% sodium hydroxide, or a parvocidal disinfectant such as F10SC or Virkon
- Control insects (especially flies) as much as possible both indoors and outdoors
- Rabbit-proof your backyard to prevent access by wild rabbits
- Limit contact between and handling of unfamiliar pet rabbits
Additionally, pet rabbits should be vaccinated with Filavac® (AVA). Please note that it will take a few weeks for rabbits to build up their immunity following vaccination.
If you suspect a rabbit may have died of calicivirus, you can request a free test kit by sending an email to rabbitcalicivirus@csiro.au with your postal address.
Location of submitted cases for calicivirus testing in January 2025